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‘Pirates need my experience’

Lucky Lekgwathi confident of new Orlando Pirates contract

Lucky Lekgwathi says he is still waiting to start negotiations with Orlando Pirates on a new contract, but insists it will happen because the club will need his experience in Africa.

The veteran defender had another steady season for the Buccaneers and played a key role in their progression to the CAF Champions League semifinals, despite being sent off in controversial circumstances in the second leg against TP Mazembe.

As has been the case in the last few years, Lekgwathi is running into the last few weeks of his contract at Pirates, but the 36-year-old says he is not concerned.

“We have not spoken about a new contract, but obviously it will happen,” he tells KickOff.com.

“We are going into the group stages of the Champions League and the team will need my experience and my leadership, so I am confident the chairman is going to give me another contract.

“You know, Pirates is my life … I have signed a life contract!”

Despite having now completed his 15th year in the top-flight, Lekgwathi feels he can still go for a good while yet.

“Everyone is asking me that question [how long I can still play for] but me, I’m still strong,” he says. “My body will tell me when it’s time to stop.”

Lekgwathi also insists Pirates will be back challenging for League honours next season.

“I still believe we have a good team – if anything the chairman must just sign a few players for back-up … to balance the team,” he says.

“Hopefully the injuries will stay away next season and we can regain some of that winning momentum. Like I say, we still have a very good side and we still have the fighting spirit.”

Previous comments on this story...

TIME TO RETIRE BOSS WHILE YOU ARE HAPPY, AND KHOZA MUST GVE YOU A POSITION

lmothibi

posted: 11:37 am

chairman these chairman dat #### u old man oLd rAt

Glory1180

posted: 11:38 am

Lucky must retire now while he is still on a high. Despite Pirate not wining any thing this season but the past two seasons have been remarkable. What will happen next is that Pirate will sign Awal and we wont here of Lucky again and everything that he has built in football will be forgotten. Lets face it from here he can only go down, he cant go high than Pirate at his age, unless, off-course if he did not invest his earnings wisely.

TREBLE CHAMP KING

posted: 11:38 am

Phinda mzala, sawubona fish uphume nini ethini, the best captain n most succeful captain in the PSL if not SA.

Let me be the first to say, we definetely need bra Staliyani, no one knows how to die for Pirates more u do. I respect u grootman

The Big General in Mayfair

posted: 11:39 am

The galaxy of stars being led by the headless- chicken

MoDawana

posted: 11:39 am

Mr Lekgwathi will be booed or assaulted into retirement by Bucs faithful. It is an open secret that the most bad mannered and violent fans are Bucs followers. I think even his Okapi won't protect Mr Lekgwathi from the humilation that will visit if he stays to captain RDS's team.

That said, well done for being in top flight football for 15 years. Few players have achieved that milestone.

Damora

posted: 11:40 am

We don't care what is happening at the camp for as long as R De Saster is no more with the team.

football star

posted: 11:41 am

we certainly do .... Bt we need awal an ntethe as back up coz sangweni is d only defenda nw....if u nt playin we always left wt no defenda ,, gcaba an nzunga must b releasd... Besta mabena, mbuzi, all useless

Gold & Black Rhino

posted: 11:42 am

One of the Useless Captain in South Africa Leading the Useless Players with the Useless Coach Roger Di Sa. Orlando Pirates Wont Win the CAF Cup with this Madala and Roger they must Just Forget to Lift the CAF Cup and Wait for Kaizer Chiefs to Take this Without Anyhelp of Third Force. Love & Peace.

Boetie

posted: 11:43 am

Lekgwathi and other senior players you need to make a representation to the chairman, and tell him what he already knows, GDS does have what it takes to coach Pirates.It happened at Real Madrid and it can here. RDS is a failure, he can't take the team anywhere. He must just go.....period !!! I can't imagine Ruudie Krol being fired after winning a Trebble, and keeping someone who failed to even defend a single trophy, loosing to students, who only train after school. What a disgrace if not a shame.

TREBLE CHAMP KING

posted: 11:43 am

Pirates need Lucky going to the group stages, no team will stand us with Jali n Sangweni n a fit BBM back in the team. Bibo n Myeni are proving to be assets for our team.

Africa Pirates is coming to conqure lead by Captain Jack Lucky Sparrow Legwathi.

Mr T Wa Champ

posted: 11:46 am

El Kaptino!
We definitely need you Phinda, all the experience gained will be valuable to the yougsters on the team, the likes of Phungwayo, Nzunga and Ma-Gents Jele

Another year for you Phinda Mzala

Football Fanatic

posted: 11:48 am

Your experience with Musona?anyway,you are finished dude,i hope you have a back up plan otherwise you will be hanging out with Jabu Pule soon.

Mentioning the word FIT & Benni McCarthy in the same sentence is a CRIME.Atleast you acknolege that Klaite & Manyisa are mediocre

mawande10

posted: 11:51 am

good one lekgwathi

spinzer

posted: 11:51 am

"played a key role in their progression to the CAF Champions League semifinals, despite being sent off in controversial circumstances in the second leg against TP Mazembe."

thought Pirates are in the group stages, not semifinals. copy check anyone?

Jacob/Styles

posted: 11:53 am

A man deserving the title Captain Fantastic, what a player he is Phinda Mzala. He can play better than many defenders in our national team, I'm sure he played most games this season in the team but he's still going strong. I will be pleased to see him donning the black and red outfit next season. Up The Bucs until KC win at least one treble, as double treble is beyond their reach.

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